I would like to express my concern regarding language included in Puerto Rico House Bill 2433 requiring bicyclists to wear reflective vests between the hours of 6:00pm and 6:00am. The League of American Bicyclists shares your concern with nighttime visibility of cyclists and reduction of motorist/bicyclist crashes; however we disagree with this chosen approach. Along with our colleagues at the Puerto Rico Bicycle Coalition we strongly suggest that you reconsider moving HB 2433 forward.

The League of American Bicyclists is supported by thousands of cyclists throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. We work with, and on behalf of bicyclists at the federal, state, and local levels to build Bicycle Friendly Communities and States as places that provide safe accommodations for cycling and encourage their residents to bike for transportation and recreation.

Under Article 11.03 (H) Puerto Rico’s statutes currently require a front white light and rear red light or reflector. These laws, based on the Uniform Vehicle Code, are consistent with those of all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with only New Hampshire requiring any other additional reflective material be worn. The bill’s intent to protect cyclists is admirable; however the League feels that such a requirement places an undue burden on bicyclists themselves, and such equipment requirements are inconsistent with model laws and best practices.

As the bill introduction recognizes, bicycling for transportation is on the rise in Puerto Rico. This should be viewed- and encouraged- as a positive trend. The League offers guidance and technical assistance to communities and states on ways to better accommodate and encourage bicycling through the 5 E’s: Engineering, Encouragement, Education, Evaluation & Planning, and Enforcement.

Through working through these categories, communities across Puerto Rico can encourage bicycling as a healthy, environmentally sound, fun and safe form of both recreation and transportation.

The League welcomes the opportunity to work with you in creating a more bicycle-friendly Puerto Rico, but again insist that you not move HB 2433 forward.